Meet The Team

Georgina Mellas

Georgina Mellas | BSc(PT), BSc(Bio), MCPA | Registered Physiotherapist

Georgina was born and raised in Thunder Bay, ON and moved to London, ON where she graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She then pursued her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1993 and has provided physiotherapy services in Thunder Bay Since.

While at the University of Toronto, Georgina had the opportunity to conduct research in the field of anatomy and neurophysiology with Dr. A. Agur and Dr. O'Driscoll, Orthopaedic Surgeon, which lead to publications in both fields.

Georgina returned to Thunder Bay where she practiced physical therapy, largely in outpatient orthopaedics, at McKellar Hospital until 1998 when she joined Robert Fanti, Physiotherapist, in private practice.

Georgina has extensive post-graduate training in areas such as acupuncture, myofascial release techniques, manual therapy including joint mobilizations and tissue manipulation, mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT/McKenzie Method), and exercise prescription. Georgina provides quality care to clients of all ages with a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Georgina's practice philosophy is one-to-one, client-centered care.


Chris Winn

Chris Winn | MSc(PT), BSc(Kin), MCPA | Registered Physiotherapist

Chris received a Master of Science degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University in 2002 and prior to that, a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University in 1998. He served on the Board of directors of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association from 2006-2013 and was the President of the OPA from 2010-2012.

Since joining Fanti + Associates Physiotherapists in 2002, Chris has had the opportunity to advance his skillset in the areas of manual therapy, acupuncture, exercise prescription and pain management. Chris has particular interest in the treatment of sports-related injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain.

Chris' treatment philosophy is to work one on one with individuals to develop a plan of care that involves a collaborative effort between both himself and his client to help foster a more successful outcome. Self-management and the promotion of independence are key components of any long-term strategy for successful results!

In addition to his part-time work at Fanti + Associates Physiotherapists, Chris is an Associate Professor with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and was previously an Assistant Professor with the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University where he coordinated their Northern Studies Stream Program between 2007 and 2016.

Chris was born and primarily raised in British Columbia, but has lived in many areas of Canada. He moved to Thunder Bay in 2002 to enjoy the short commute and fresh air! In his spare time he enjoys sailing, canoeing, cross-country skiing and spending time with his two children.


Marlee Clement

Marlee Clement | MSc (PT), BEd, BPHE (Hons) | Registered Physiotherapist

Marlee graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Education (2014) and a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with a specialization in Health Promotion (2013). She then pursued her Master of Science Degree in Physical Therapy at Queens University in Kingston Ontario, graduating in 2016. Working at the clinic, Marlee is able to apply her practical and interpersonal skills in physiotherapy, teaching and health promotion. Marlee is actively involved in the ski community in Thunder Bay and Sudbury; assisting with numerous skiing and running events throughout the year, as well as, giving seminars at cross-country Ontario skiing camps aimed at health promotion, core and functional strength.

Marlee was born and raised in Sudbury, ON. Marlee has a big love for the outdoors! She enjoys cross country skiing, running, yoga, and camping. In addition to her work at Fanti + Associates Physiotherapists. Marlee is an Assistant Coach with Big Thunder Nordic, as well as, Walden Nordic ski club for cross country skiing.

Marlee believes in patient centered care, self-management, preventive health and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Marlee always individualizes her treatment plans to each client in order to meet their personal goals and objectives. Her teaching background enhances her desire for lifelong learning in order to further her client care. Marlee has additional qualifications in Acupuncture and Dry Needling, neuro-kinetic training, exercise prescription, as well as, courses in soft tissue release and K-taping.


Alanna Augruso

Alanna Augruso | MScPT, HBK, MCPA | Registered Physiotherapist

Alanna Augruso graduated with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto, after completing an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology from Lakehead University. She has completed her Contemporary Acupuncture for Health Professionals certification from McMaster University and her Level II Manual Therapy designations through the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She is an active member of both the Canadian and Ontario Physiotherapy Associations.

Alanna believes in a client centred, individualized approach to patient care utilizing a combination of manual therapy, education, muscle release, acupuncture and a progressive exercise prescription program. She strives to help patients meet their personal goals and prevent re-injury, and believes that each patient must take an active role in their treatment in order to obtain optimal results.

Alanna was raised in Thunder Bay. She enjoys yoga and running and has been actively involved in the Thunder Bay Women's Soccer Club for a number of years (both as a player and former board member). She has participated in a number of 5k, 10k and half marathon races and volunteered in many athletic events including the Miles with the Giant Marathon, Toronto Goodlife Marathon, and at various soccer events in the Thunder Bay community. She is currently serving as the President of the Northwest Division of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.

Alanna continues to pursue additional certifications in manual therapy and women's health and is constantly thriving to provide the best care for her patients.


Emma Vaillancourt

Emma Vaillancourt | MPT, BPHE(Hons), MCPA | Registered Physiotherapist

Emma graduated from Laurentian University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Physical & Health Education with a concentration in Health Promotion. She obtained her Masters in Physical Therapy at Western University in 2014. Emma has completed her Level II Manual Therapy designation with the Orthopaedic Division of the Canadian Physical Therapy Association. She is also certified in Integrated Dry Needling.

Emma treats a variety of injuries and takes pride in helping her patients reach their goals. Her particular area of interest is in the assessment and treatment of running injuries. She is a former varsity level cross-country and track athlete and remains active in the sport today. Emma has completed extensive post-graduate training in running-specific rehabilitation including gait analysis. She applies this skillset to runners of all levels to assist with returning from injury as well as improving performance.

In her free time, Emma can be found out for a run with her dog, Zoey. She enjoys hiking and travelling with her husband as well as spending time with her family on Manitoulin Island.


Robert Fanti

Robert Fanti | BHSc(PT), HBSc, MCPA | Clinic Owner | Registered Physiotherapist

Robert was born and raised in Thunder Bay pursuing his Honors Bachelor of Science (Biology) at Lakehead University and then his Bachelor of Health Sciences (Physiotherapy) at McMaster University in Hamilton.

Upon his return to Thunder Bay, he briefly was employed by McKellar Hospital before he opened the practice in 1995 building upon the philosophy of “one-to-one patient centred care.” Robert has extensive post graduate training which includes myofascial release, orthopaedic manual therapy and various other certifications.

Robert is married and leads an active lifestyle and now enjoys coaching and participating with his children’s activities. Fanti + Associates Physiotherapists offers

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Fanti & Associates Physiotherapists

Address: 678 John St, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1Z6